Photography legend James Barnor's legacy in nationwide exhibition
THE James Barnor 95 Festival, in partnership with The French Embassy in Ghana and Alliance Française, has announced a six-region tour of the groundbreaking photography exhibition, "Someone Somewhere Beyond: Photo Reportage from the 16 Regions."
The tour celebrates the 95th birthday of Ghana's iconic photographer, James Barnor, and showcases the work of 16 emerging photographers from across the country.
The exhibition, curated by cultural historian Menenaba, features a collection of photographs that capture everyday life in Ghana, bridging generations by pairing Barnor's enduring influence with bold new perspectives.
The tour will visit six regions, starting at Red Clay Studios in Tamale on Saturday, March 29 –April 30, and will include artist talks and workshops at universities and partner spaces.
The Alliance Française in Kumasi will host from May 3 – June 3 with the Exhibition tour making its stop at the Craft Village in Bolgatanga from June 14-July 12.
The schedule continues at Busua (Surf House Ghana) from July 19 – August 16, Alliance Française in CapeCoast from Auugust 23 – September 27.
The final destination will be at the Alliance Française in Accra on October 4 to round up the tour schedules.
"James Barnor didn't just document history; he taught us to see the extraordinary in ordinary lives," says Menenaba. "These photographers—whether consciously or not—embody his belief that every Ghanaian's story deserves a spotlight. Their work is a living dialogue between past and present."
Affectionately called “the father of Ghanaian photography”, James Barnor(born 1929) is celebrated for his photography prowess from Accra’s first colour photo studio to documenting Kwame Nkrumah’s rise, exhibited at Tate Modern and the Venice Biennale.
The James Barnor 95 Festival held in 2024 drew over 10,000 visitors.
The exhibition highlights the impact of Barnor's human-centered visual language on national identity and its continued influence on a new generation of Ghanaian photographers.
Guided tours for students and seniors are available at all venues.
